Bus services in Provence (www.info-ler.fr) is fairly good along the coast, but traveling inland is not quite as easy because the bus services are infrequent and not that extensive. Most villages in the Luberon have a limited bus service. The main hub is Apt, which has buses to local villages, and a regular bus link to Cavaillon and Avignon. Check the website for details of the different lines. For timetables on the Vaucluse region visit: www.vaucluse.fr/fr/deplacements/transports-cars-transvaucluse/horaires-lignes-transvaucluse

A car is the best way and is an essential in order to get around the Luberon region. Car rentals are available at all arrival points in France (airport, train station, port, etc.). The network of country roads and highways are easily navigated with a village every ten minutes by car.

Getting to the Luberon by car you will take the motorway A7 - Avignon exit and then take the RN7, towards Apt or Cavaillon. For Motorways of the South of France:www.asf.fr

There are several car parks around the Luberon, many just outside the towns and villages. You will park your car and then walk a few minutes to the center of town. It is fairly easy to drive and park in the area. You will just need to pay attention to where the parking locations are.

Rentals -- To rent a car, you`ll need to present a passport, a driver`s license, and a credit card. You will also have to meet the company`s minimum age requirement; 21 or above at most rental agencies. The biggest agencies have pickup spots all over Southern France, including Budget (www.budget.com; (tel.) 800-472-3325); Hertz (www.hertz.com; (tel.) 800-654-3001); and Europcar (www.europcar.com; (tel.) 877-940-6900 in the U.S. and Canada).

Cycling in the Luberon is a very popular way of exploring this destination. The region can be hilly and many of the villages are on top of a short hill, but the villages are not far apart. Cycling the area will bring you past vineyards, orchards, sunflowers, wineries, ochre valleys, and lavender trails while offering the most spectacular views.

There are some sign posted cycling routes in the Luberon, but you may want to build your own route. The one busy road to avoid in the Luberon is the D900 between Avignon and Apt, which is the main east-west artery. To make the complete tour of the Luberon, it takes about 5 to 7 days. Visit: www.veloloisirprovence.com/fr to learn more about cycling in the Luberon.

The Luberon offers an extensive and accessible network of walking paths and trails, linking villages that are often just a few miles apart. There are trails for people of all abilities, including many hikes which are very suitable for families with younger children. These trails are extensive, well-maintained and reasonably marked. The walking paths will take you through farms, vineyards, orchards and woods offering the most breathtaking views.

Winter, spring and fall are ideal times to use these walking trails. If you hike the trails in the summer, try to walk/hike in the early morning or late afternoon and be sure to drink plenty of water. Summer is typically a dry time of year, and some areas may be closed for hiking due to risk of fires.

Taxis and private car hires are available to help you visit the Provence - Luberon region. Some taxi services will offer you a choice of several tours and can accommodate larger groups as well.